Antariksh Archives

On September 22, 2023, the Antariksh Astronomy Club hosted an enlightening session titled "Knowing the Unknown: Black Holes" at VIIT, Pune, presented by Gyanesh Choudhary. The talk explored the historical evolution of black holes, from early concepts to modern theories like the Chandrasekhar and TOV limits. Choudhary discussed key concepts such as the event horizon, singularity, and gravitational lensing, alongside detection methods like gravitational waves and X-ray emissions. He also addressed intriguing theories and paradoxes related to black holes, concluding with the poetic reminder of our cosmic connection. The session captivated the audience and deepened their understanding of black holes.

On September 16, 2023, the Antariksh Club hosted an engaging talk by Harsh Jalnekar at Vishwakarma Institute, focusing on the "Death of a Star and Introduction to Black Holes." Attendees explored the dramatic endings of stars, including supernovae, hypernovae, and kilonovae, and learned about stellar remnants like white dwarfs and neutron stars. The presentation also delved into black holes, active galactic nuclei, and quasars, illustrating their cosmic significance. A lively Q&A session addressed topics like star naming conventions and the differences between pulsars and magnetars, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation of the universe's mysteries.

On September 14, 2023, Jameer Manur, founder of Antariksh Club, delivered an insightful talk on "Observational Astronomy: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" at VIIT, Pune. He covered topics from the role of observational and theoretical astronomy to key celestial bodies, historical figures like Galileo and Newton, and advancements in astronomy detectors. He also discussed the future of astronomy, with technologies like the Thirty Meter Telescope and Devasthal Observatory. The talk ignited curiosity and inspired future astronomers by emphasizing both the past achievements and the future potential of astronomy.

On September 8, 2023, the Antariksh Club hosted an internal talk titled "Life Cycle of Stars" at VIIT, led by Anas Ansari. The presentation explored star formation from gas clouds, through various phases including red giants and supernovae, to the eventual formation of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Key highlights included the role of nebulae in star birth and the processes behind temperature variations within stars. The engaging Q&A session addressed topics such as the triggers for nuclear fusion and the transformations stars undergo, showcasing the club's commitment to fostering curiosity about the cosmos.

The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an exemplary astronomical observatory. Its 19 intricately designed stone instruments reflect the advanced knowledge of ancient Indian astronomers, used to measure celestial positions and time with remarkable accuracy. Instruments such as the Vrihat Smarat Yantra and Jaya Prakash Yantra showcase precise engineering and scientific understanding. This paper explores the historical, scientific, and architectural significance of Jantar Mantar, emphasizing its enduring contribution to astronomical studies.

On September 4, 2023, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Pune, celebrated "Chandrayaan Mahotsav" in honor of ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. Organized by the Antariksh Club, the event attracted 70 attendees and featured presentations by club members on the Moon’s significance, global space missions, and the Chandrayaan program. A quiz and a sky gazing workshop, offering views of the Vega Star and Alpha Centauri, added interactive elements. The event was a tribute to India’s space achievements and successfully inspired interest in space exploration.